Leaf collector

ABSTRACT

A device for collecting and gathering loose material such as grain, rocks, leaves, grass clippings, and the like. The device includes a substantially flat sheet. The sheet may be of various shapes. The device also includes one or more obstructing members that extend outward from a top surface of the sheet. The obstructing members are sized and shaped such that, when the sheet is rolled in a manner circumscribing the obstructing members, the obstructing members cooperate to obstruct or block one end of a container formed by the sheet. A user may gather material onto the sheet in a planar configuration and then roll the sheet to form a temporary container with the material kept inside by the sheet and the obstructing members. The rolled sheet and obstructing members cooperate to form a temporary container for transporting loose material.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application thatclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.60/378,723, filed May 8, 2002, for “Leaf Collector,” with inventorMelvin W. Yardley.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of devicesfor collecting loose material. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to a leaf collector for gathering and disposing of leaves andother loose material.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Background Art

[0005] Most people are familiar with the chore of gathering leaves orgrass clippings from around the yard. Generally, the leaves, grassclippings, twigs, garbage, and other loose material (hereinafter “loosematerial”) are collected into piles, which are then placed into garbagecontainers or disposable plastic bags. Getting the loose material from apile and into a garbage container can be the most difficult step in theprocess.

[0006] Conventionally, a user repeatedly lifts part of the loosematerial, either by hand or using a combination of a hand and a rake orshovel, and places the loose material in the garbage container. Thisrepeated movement is undesirable, as it may cause stress and strain onthe user. Furthermore, this procedure may be messy and inconvenient ifthe loose material is wet. In addition, wind may scatter the loosematerial out of the pile such that the user must return to rebuildingthe pile. While the task of moving the loose material from the pile tothe garbage container is challenging, the task is easier with two ormore workers. Nevertheless, a single user typically does the job.

[0007] Generally, the loose material, such as leaves and clippings, isgathered and collected for disposal. Those of skill in the art, however,will recognize that the same problems described above exist regardlessof the nature of the loose material. For example, material such asgrain, sand, small rocks, or the like may be gathered in bags orcontainers for purposes other than disposal. Numerous devices have beenprovided to facilitate moving a collection of loose material into acontainer for disposal or otherwise.

[0008] One solution provides a flat sheet. The loose material isgathered in a pile on the sheet. Then, the sheet is rolled or folded toform a cylinder or other generally prism shape having two open ends. Theloose material is gathered within the prism shape. Next, theprism-shaped sheet is lifted and tipped to dump the loose material outone end of the cylinder.

[0009] Unfortunately, the prism-shaped sheet includes two open ends. Theloose material tends to fall out one end or the other when theprism-shaped sheet is transported and/or dumped. Other devices, such asnetting, may be formed into a temporary “bag” by gathering each cornertogether to enclose the loose material inside such that no loosematerial is lost. Such a “bag,” however, proves difficult in practice toempty into a typical garbage container.

[0010] Another solution includes walls configured to seal one open endwhen the sheet is formed into a prism shape. These devices, however,generally do not lie completely flat. The walls may impede gathering ofthe loose material onto the sheet. For example, a user may be requiredto rake or sweep loose material onto the sheet in a single direction,much like a dustpan. Other devices lie substantially flat, but with suchdevices, the loose material often gets blown or raked across the sheetinstead of collecting into a pile as is generally desired.

[0011] While some of the problems with conventional devices may beresolved by using two workers, none of the conventional devices providesan effective, simple, lightweight, inexpensive tool to assist someoneperforming the chore alone. Accordingly, what is needed is a device thatovercomes the problems and disadvantages of the prior art. Inparticular, the device should lie flat for collection of loose materialonto the device and include an obstructing member that assists inpreventing the loose material from being raked across the device. Thedevice should be transformable into a cylinder or other temporaryprism-shaped container that retains the loose material inside and closesone end of the container for effective transport of the loose materialto a desired location. The device should be capable of being locked inthe temporary container configuration. Furthermore, the device should belightweight, sturdy, durable, simple, and inexpensive. The presentinvention provides these advancements in a novel and useful way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The various elements of the present invention have been developedin response to the present state of the art, and in particular, inresponse to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet beenfully solved by currently available devices. Accordingly, the presentinvention provides an improved device for collecting and gathering loosematerial.

[0013] In one embodiment, the device includes a pliable, substantiallyplanar sheet. The sheet is substantially thin and made from a resilient,elastic material such as plastic or metal. Preferably, the sheet isformed to maintain a planar configuration. The planar configuration is afirst position wherein the planar sheet lies substantially flat. If thesheet is rolled or bent, the sheet is biased to return to the planarconfiguration.

[0014] The device includes one or more obstructing members that extendout from the surface of the sheet. The obstructing members may bepositioned near one edge of the sheet. The planar sheet is easilytransitionable between the first position wherein the planar sheet liessubstantially flat to a second position wherein the planar sheet forms acontainer.

[0015] The obstructing members cooperate to partially obstruct anopening of the container formed when the sheet is rolled such that thesheet substantially circumscribes the obstructing member. Theobstructing members may be configured to partially or completelyobstruct the opening. The obstructing members may be of almost anyshape.

[0016] The obstructing members may be connected to an edge of the sheet,formed from the same material as the sheet, or removably connected tothe sheet. Preferably, the obstructing members are substantially alignedalong one edge of the sheet such as the back edge. The obstructingmembers may extend vertically from a surface of the sheet.Alternatively, the obstructing members may extend from the surface atabout any angle.

[0017] In one embodiment, the obstructing members are configured andpositioned such that as the sheet is rolled to bring one side in closeproximity to an opposite side, the obstructing members are juxtaposed tosubstantially close an opening defined by the rolled sheet. For example,the obstructing members may be triangular shaped with a height aboutequal to the radius of a circular opening defined by the rolled sheet.The exposed sides of each triangular obstructing member may abut aneighboring obstructing member to close the opening. Alternatively, thetips of triangular obstructing members may be removed (forming bluntedtriangular shapes) such that when the sheet is rolled, the obstructingmembers leave a polygon-shaped opening which is much smaller than anopening defined by the sheet alone.

[0018] In another aspect, the obstructing members include a tongue onone exposed side and a groove on another exposed side. The tongue andgroove are configured such that as the sheet is rolled, the tongue ofone obstructing member engages the groove of a neighboring obstructingmember to effectively seal the opening of the rolled sheet.Alternatively, the obstructing members may be positioned in anoverlapping fashion such that when the sheet is rolled, one obstructingmember overlaps about half the surface area of a neighboring obstructingmember to seal the opening.

[0019] In certain embodiments, a single obstructing member may beconfigured to operably obstruct the opening. For example, a circularobstructing member may be connected to the sheet near a back edge. Thecircular obstructing member may operably prevent passage of loosematerial through a circular opening defined by the back edge when thesheet is rolled to circumscribe the circular obstructing member. Incertain embodiments, an obstructing member may engage a groove formed inthe sheet to form an effective seal that prevents passage of loosematerial within the rolled sheet through the opening.

[0020] For convenience, the device may include one or more handlesconnected to or formed within the sheet. The handles may be positionedalong a side adjacent to a side of the sheet that includes theobstructing members. In addition, one or more fasteners may be connectedto, or formed within, sides adjacent to the side of the sheet whichincludes the obstructing members. The fasteners allow a user to hold twosides of the sheet in close proximity when the sheet is in a rolledconfiguration.

[0021] In one embodiment, each side may include a hook that engages acorresponding handle formed in the opposite side. Alternatively, eachside may include a corresponding member of a fastener assembly. Forexample, one side may include a hook material strap, and the oppositeside may include a loop material strip such as corresponding componentsof a VELCRO™ assembly. Alternatively, corresponding members of snaps,hooks, buckles, clip retainers, tie straps, and the like may serve asfasteners. One example of a buckle includes a life-preserver buckle. Incertain aspects, the sheet includes an array of holes sized to allow airto escape from inside a rolled sheet but prevent escape of the loosematerial.

[0022] Preferably, the components of the device are made from durable,lightweight materials such as metal, plastic, or the like. In oneembodiment, the sheet is a thin piece of pliable rigid plastic. Thefasteners, handles, and obstructing members may be made of variousmaterials.

[0023] The components may be of various shapes while still serving theirfunction. For example, the sheet may be polygonal, circular, oval, orthe like. Preferably, the sheet is rectangular or square. Similarly, theobstructing members may be polygonal, circular, oval, or the like. Inone embodiment, the obstructing members are triangular shaped.

[0024] The components of the device may be sized to allow a single userto easily handle the device. Of course, the device may also be sized togather a larger volume of loose material and/or be used by a pair ofusers. The size and shape of the sheet determine the size and shape ofthe rolled sheet when in a temporary prism-shaped containerconfiguration. Preferably, the sheet is about forty-eight inches square,and the obstructing members are equilateral triangles with a width ofabout three inches wide and a height of about seven inches.

[0025] Thus, a durable, lightweight, collapsible device for collectionof loose material for tasks such as yard work is provided. The devicemay be easily assembled, and in certain embodiments, no assembly isrequired. In addition, a single person can easily lay the sheet on theground, gather the loose material onto the surface of the sheet, rollthe sheet such that the obstructing members partially obstruct one endof the rolled sheet, and transport the loose material within the sheetto a container. Using the device, a single person may easily collect,transport, and dump loose material without assistance and with minimalstress from repeated bending and lifting. These and other features andadvantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent fromthe following description and appended claims, or may be learned by thepractice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Non-exhaustive embodiments of the invention are described withreference to the figures, in which:

[0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a leaf collectordevice of the present invention in a substantially flat position;

[0028]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a leaf collectordevice arranged in a temporary prism-shaped container configuration;

[0029]FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an obstructed end of oneembodiment of the device;

[0030]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pair of neighboring obstructingmembers;

[0031]FIG. 5A is an end view of another embodiment of obstructingmembers;

[0032]FIG. 5B is a plan view of the obstructing members of FIG. 5Aarranged to enclose an opening;

[0033]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodimentincluding removable obstructing members;

[0034]FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an alternative embodimentincluding a single obstructing member;

[0035]FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an alternative embodimentincluding a single obstructing member;

[0036]FIG. 7C is a perspective view of an alternative embodimentincluding obstructing members; and

[0037]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodimentincluding various alternative features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] The present invention solves the foregoing problems anddisadvantages with a sturdy planar sheet having obstructing members forretaining loose material within the sheet when the sheet is in atemporary prism-shaped container configuration.

[0039] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or“an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearancesof the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in variousplaces throughout this specification are not necessarily all referringto the same embodiment.

[0040] Furthermore, the described features, structures, orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details areprovided, such as examples of materials, fasteners, sizes, lengths,widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodimentsof the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize,however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of thespecific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. Inother instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are notshown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of theinvention.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, there is shown adevice 10 for collecting loose material 12. The device 10 assists ingathering the loose material 12 into a pile. In addition, the device 10is deformable into a temporary container. As a temporary container, thedevice 10 allows the loose material 12 to be transported and dumped, forexample, in a garbage container. Preferably, the device 10 is made to bestored and used initially in a planar configuration, as illustrated.

[0042] The device 10 includes a planar sheet 14 that forms the body ofthe device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the sheet 14 includes atop surface 16 and a bottom surface 18 In the planar configuration ofFIG. 1, the sheet 14 serves as a base for collecting the loose material12 into a pile on the top surface 16.

[0043] The sheet 14 also includes a front edge 20 opposite a back edge22. Preferably, the sheet 14 is a thin piece of material, and the frontedge 20 and back edge 22 are straight. Alternatively, the front edge 20and back edge 22 may be contoured.

[0044] The device 10 also includes one or more obstructing members 24that extend out from the top surface 16 of the sheet 14. Preferably, thesheet 14 includes a plurality of obstructing members 24. Alternatively,the sheet 14 may include a single obstructing member 24.

[0045] With the sheet 14 in a planar configuration, the obstructingmembers 24 are sized and positioned to minimally impede a user's effortsto collect the loose material 12 onto the top surface 16. In theillustrated embodiment, a user may rake or sweep loose material 12 ontothe sheet across three sides. In addition, the user may rake loosematerial 12 over the obstructing members 24.

[0046] Preferably, the obstructing members 24 extend substantially at aright angle from the top surface 16. Alternatively, the obstructingmembers 24 may extend at almost any angle from the top surface 16. Theobstructing members 24 may be located along or near the back edge 22.Alternatively, the obstructing members 24 may be positioned along anyedge of the sheet 14. The obstructing members 24 may be formed from thesame material as the sheet 14. For example, the obstructing members 24may be integrated with the back edge 22. Alternatively, the obstructingmembers 24 may comprise a separate component that is connected to thesheet 14. In one embodiment, the obstructing members 24 are removablyconnected to the sheet 14.

[0047] The shape and structure of the obstructing members 24 may vary.In one example, the obstructing members 24 described herein areconfigured as tabs that extend from the top surface 16. Of course, theone or more obstructing members 24 may also be characterized as fingers,strips, a wall, a stop, or the like and still serve the intended purposeof obstructing members 24 in the present invention. In the illustratedembodiment, the obstructing members 24 are triangular shaped.Specifically, the obstructing members 24 may be triangular shaped. Inone embodiment, the obstructing members 24 are formed as isoscelestriangles in which two sides of equal length are not connected to thesheet 14, while the other side which may be of a different length isattached.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the device 10 includes one or morehandles 26. The handles 26 facilitate rolling the sheet 14 from an openplanar configuration into a temporary container configuration, discussedin detail below. The handles 26 also provide for convenience in lifting,transporting, and dumping the sheet 14 in a rolled configuration.Preferably, the handles 26 are formed integral to the sheet and extendfrom a side in the same plane as the sheet 14. The handles 26 may bepositioned along a side 28 of the sheet adjacent to the back edge 22.Alternatively, the handles 26 may be positioned on opposite sides 28, 30(also referred to herein as side edges 28, 30) of the sheet 14.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 2 and generally to FIG. 1, preferably, thesheet 14 is configured to maintain a first position in which the sheetlies substantially flat (See FIG. 1). This first position is the planarconfiguration. When necessary, the sheet 14 may be readily transitionedto a second position to form a container 32 (See FIG. 2). Preferably, informing the container 32, the planar sheet substantially circumscribesthe obstructing member(s) 24 to at least partially obstruct one end ofthe container 32.

[0050] The present invention also provides a method of using the device10. In one embodiment, the device 10 is originally in a planarconfiguration as in FIG. 1. A user lays the device 10 on a surface, suchas a lawn, with the top surface 16 facing up. Next, the user gathersloose material 12 into a pile on top of the sheet 14. The loose material12 may be gathered by raking, sweeping, or the like.

[0051] Referring still to FIG. 2, once a pile is made, the user rollsone side 28 towards the other side 30 such that the edges of the sides28, 30 come in close proximity. A temporary fastener 34 may hold thesides 28, 30 together. For example, the fastener 34 may be a hook thatengages a corresponding handle 26.

[0052] By rolling the sides 28, 30, the user transforms the device 10from a planar configuration into a temporary container 32 having aninterior 33. FIG. 2 illustrates the device 10 in the form of a temporarycontainer 32. The sheet 14 becomes a wall that defines the interior 33that is located within the container 32 and configured to hold the loosematerial 12. The container 32 has a prism shape corresponding to thegeometric shape of the sheet 14. In the depicted embodiment, the sheet14 is rectangular shaped. Consequently, the container 32 is cylindrical.Similarly, other shapes of the sheet 14 will result in prism containers32 having other shapes.

[0053] The temporary container 32 includes a front opening 36 defined bythe front edge 20 and a back opening 38 defined by the back edge 22.Preferably, the front opening 36 remains unobstructed. The front opening36 may be used to insert residual loose material 12.

[0054] The back opening 38 is at least partially obstructed by theobstructing members 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the user rollsthe sheet 14 to bring the sides 28, 30 together, which causes the sheet14 to circumscribe the obstructing members 24. As the sheet 14circumscribes the obstructing members 24, the obstructing members 24move in relation to each other to close openings between neighboringobstructing members 24. By closing these openings, the obstructingmembers 24 restrict, or at least partially obstruct, the back opening 38to prevent escape of the loose material 12 from within the container 32.Alternatively, another set of obstructing members 24 may close the frontopening 36 as well.

[0055] As used herein, the terms “circumscribing” or “circumscribe” areintended to mean, “to substantially surround or form a boundary around.”These terms mean that the sheet 14 is reconfigured to surround theobstructing members 24 in two-dimensions and not necessarily inthree-dimensions. Those of skill in the art will readily recognize thatthe sheet 14 forms a perimeter around the obstructing members 24 and mayor may not completely enclose all portions of one or more obstructingmembers 24.

[0056] The obstructing members 24 at least substantially block the backopening 38 so that a user may lift the container 32 by the handles 26while the loose material 12 is kept inside the container 32. The usermay lift and carry the container 32 with the front edge 20 elevatedabove the back edge 22. The loose material 12 may shift towards the backopening 38, but the obstructing members 24 prevent the loose material 12from exiting. Preferably, the user carries the container 32 to anotherlocation such as a garbage container, storage bin, or the like. Finally,the user dumps the loose material 12 into a garbage container using thefront opening 36. The user may then unfasten the temporary fasteners 34,return the device 10 to a planar configuration, and place the device 10on the ground to repeat the process.

[0057] The degree to which the back opening 38 is obstructed depends onseveral factors relating to the shape, size, configuration, and otherfeatures of the sheet 14 and obstructing members 24. Preferably, eachobstructing member 24 is a solid piece of material sized and shaped toeffectively close the back opening 38 when the sheet 14 circumscribesthe obstructing members 24.

[0058] The obstructing members 24 may partially or completely obstructthe back opening 38. In one embodiment, the obstructing members 24 areconfigured to be juxtaposed as the sheet 14 is rolled. The obstructingmembers 24 abut each other in this embodiment. In other embodiments,described below, the obstructing members 24 engage each other to form amore effective obstruction of the back opening 38.

[0059] Preferably, the obstructing members 24 extend perpendicular tothe top surface 16. In the container 32 configuration, the obstructingmembers 24 extend within a common plane to substantially obstruct theback opening 38. Alternatively, the obstructing members 24 may projectinto the exterior or interior of the container 32, depending on theangle of the obstructing members 24 with respect to the top surface 16.Those of skill in the art will recognize that the shape and size of theobstructing members 24 depend in part on the desired configuration ofthe obstructing members 24 when the sheet is rolled into a prismconfiguration as illustrated.

[0060] To provide a sturdy, lightweight device 10, the present inventionmay be made of materials that are strong, lightweight, and durable. Thecomponents may be made from a variety of materials that allow thecomponents to perform their proper function. For example, the sheet 14is a pliable material that tends to return to the planar configurationwhen the sides 28, 30 are not temporarily fastened. The obstructingmembers 24 are semi-rigid to prevent the loose material 12 from bendingthe obstructing member 24 and escaping from within the rolled sheet 14.Examples of material that may be used include metal, wood, plastic, andother natural or man-made materials.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 3, a plan view of the device in a containerconfiguration is illustrated. In this embodiment, the height of theobstructing members 24 (including the dashed line portions) correspondsto the radius of the back opening 38 (See FIG. 1). In addition, thenumber and width of obstructing members 24 evenly divides thecircumference of the back opening 38. Of course, the obstructing members24 may be of unequal widths and/or heights.

[0062] As illustrated, when the sheet 14 is rolled to form the container32, each obstructing member 24 blocks or obstructs a sector of the backopening 38. Each obstructing member 24 is juxtaposed against aneighboring obstructing member 24. Together, the obstructing members 24cooperate to substantially block the back opening 38.

[0063]FIG. 3 also illustrates an alternative embodiment for theobstructing members 24. The tops of the obstructing members 24 may beremoved to form blunted triangular shapes (forming a perimeter aroundthe dashed lines). The obstructing members 24 may be blunted foraesthetic and/or safety reasons. For example, with pointed obstructingmembers 24, the device 10 may present a potential hazard when in theplanar configuration.

[0064]FIG. 3 illustrates that with blunted triangular obstructingmembers 24, when the sheet 14 is configured as a temporary container 32,the back opening 38 is not completely blocked. The blunted triangularobstructing members 24 leave a polygon-shaped opening 40. Depending onthe intended use for the device 10, the polygon opening 40 may continueto prevent escape of the loose material 12. For example, if the loosematerial 12 comprises leaves, the polygon opening 40 may be small enoughto prevent passage of leaves from within the container 32.

[0065]FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up view of an alternative embodiment ofa pair of neighboring triangular-shaped obstructing members 24. One sideof each triangular-shaped obstructing member 24 is connected to the backedge 22. One unconnected side includes a tongue 42, and the otherunconnected side includes a groove 44. The tongue 42 of one obstructingmember 24 is configured to engage a groove 44 of a neighboringobstructing member 24.

[0066] In certain embodiments, the tongue 42 may comprise an unalterededge of the obstructing member 24. Alternatively, the edge may bebeveled or otherwise configured to provide a tongue 42. The groove 44 ispreferably a channel formed along the length of one side of theobstructing member 24. Those of skill in the art will readily recognizethat various alternative tongue and groove assemblies may be used withthe obstructing members 24 of the present invention. When the sheet 14is rolled into the container configuration, as described above, thetongue 42 of one obstructing member 24 moves toward the groove 44 of aneighboring obstructing member 24, and vice versa. The tongue 42 thenengages the groove 44 to form an effective interface between the twoobstructing members 24.

[0067]FIG. 4 also illustrates the obstructing members 24 as solid piecesof material. Alternatively, the obstructing members 24 may include holesor perforations (not shown). If holes or perforations are included,these are preferably sized to be smaller than the primary loose material12 the device 10 is designed to gather and collect.

[0068]FIG. 5A illustrates yet another embodiment of the obstructingmembers 24. In this embodiment, the obstructing members 24 are arrangedon the sheet 14 such that a portion of one obstructing member 24overlaps a neighboring obstructing member 24 when viewed from the backedge 22. Preferably, the obstructing members 24 overlap each otherlaterally on one side by about 50%. Those of skill in the art willrecognize, however, that a variety of overlapping configurations arepossible within the scope of the present invention. For example, bothbottom corners of alternating obstructing members 24 may overlap (notshown),

[0069]FIG. 5B illustrates obstructing members 24 according to theembodiment of FIG. 5A in a plan view when the sheet 14 is rolled intothe temporary container 32 configuration. FIG. 5B illustrates thatrolling the sheet 14 causes the overlapping obstructing members 24 tobecome juxtaposed and intermeshed. In alternative embodiments, theoverlapping pattern may be varied to provide a uniform intermeshing ofthe obstructing members 24 when the sheet 14 is rolled.

[0070]FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the device 10 inwhich the obstructing members 24 are removably connected to the sheet 14by a fastener assembly. The fastener assembly may comprise correspondingcomponents that temporarily engage each other. Examples of fastenerassemblies include hook and loop assemblies, button assemblies, snapassemblies, tape, temporary glue, and the like. Additionally, those ofskill in the art recognize a number of different fastener assembliesthat may be used to temporarily secure obstructing members 24 to thesheet 14.

[0071] In FIG. 6, the temporary fastener assembly comprises one or moretabs 46 a and one or more corresponding slots 46 b. The tabs 46 a areconfigured to readily pass within the slots 46 b. The tabs 46 a includea barb 48. The barb 48 slides through a slot 46 b and preventsunintentional removal of the tab 46 a.

[0072] The sheet 14 may include a plurality of slots 46 b disposed nearthe back edge 22. A user may attach a variety of different sized orshaped obstructing members 24 to the sheet 14 using the slots 46 b. Inaddition, the configuration of the attached obstructing members 24 maybe changed as needed.

[0073]FIG. 6 illustrates a few examples of alternative embodiments forthe removably connected obstructing members 24. Of course, theobstructing members 24 of these examples may also be permanentlyconnected to the sheet 14 in other embodiments. A triangular obstructingmember 24 a is discussed above. A square obstructing member 24 b may beused. Alternatively, a single circular obstructing member 24 c may beremovably connected to the sheet 14.

[0074] Preferably, the removably connected obstructing members 24 a-care connected prior to a user rolling the sheet 14 to form a temporarycontainer 32. Alternatively, the removably connected obstructing members24 a-c may be connected at any stage. Removably connected obstructingmembers 24 a-c allow for flexibility in the configuration of theobstructing members 24, as well as simple replacement and repair forobstructing members 24 of the device 10 as needed.

[0075] As mentioned above, one or more obstructing members 24 may beused in different embodiments. Preferably, if a single obstructingmember 24 is used, the obstructing member 24 is sized and shaped tosubstantially obstruct the back opening 38 defined by the back edge 22.Similarly, if a plurality of obstructing members 24 are used, theobstructing members 24 are configured to operably obstruct the backopening 38. Those of skill in the art will recognize from thisdescription of the present invention that a variety of alternativeconfigurations and embodiments exist beyond the examples described here.These other embodiments are also considered to be within the scope ofthe present invention.

[0076] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate examples of alternative embodiments of thepresent invention. These alternative embodiments include a singleobstructing member 24. Handles 26 and other features are omitted forclarity.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 7A, the sheet 14 is rectangular shaped so theback opening 38 (See FIG. 2) is a circle when the sheet is rolled.Accordingly, a circular obstructing member 24 is connected to the backedge 22. The obstructing member 24 is offset to one side 28, 30 alongthe back edge 22. Alternatively, the obstructing member 24 may bepositioned at any point along the back edge 22.

[0078] In addition, the sheet 14 includes a groove 50 that is alignedwith the obstructing member 24. The groove 50 serves to engage the freeedge of the obstructing member 24 when the sheet 14 is rolled such thatthe sheet substantially circumscribes the obstructing member 24 to forma temporary container 32. The groove 50 supports the obstructing member24 in blocking passage of loose material 12. FIG. 7B illustrates anembodiment in which the sheet 14 has six non-uniform length sides. Ofcourse, while straight sides are described herein, the sides of thesheet 14 may also be curved in other embodiments. The sheet 14 includestwo opposing sides 28, 30 and two sides 52, 54 that are adjacent to theside 22 comprising the obstructing member 24. Preferably, theobstructing member 24 is on a side 22 of the sheet 14 perpendicular tothe sides 28, 30 that come together to form a temporary container 32.

[0079] In FIG. 7B, the obstructing member 24 is sized and shaped to abutside 52 and side 54 when side 28 is rolled to meet side 30, as indicatedby the arrows. In this embodiment, the obstructing member 24 is ahalf-oval shape. In certain embodiments, side 52 and side 54 may includea lip 56. The free edge of the obstructing member 24 may rest upon thelip 56 or abut the lip 56 when the sheet 14 is configured as a temporarycontainer 32. The lip 56 thus may be employed to support the obstructingmember 24 and/or to more fully seal the opening 22.

[0080] Referring now to FIG. 7C, an alternative obstructing member 24 isillustrated. The obstructing member 24 comprises a wall of square orrectangular segments 58. A bottom edge 60 interconnects each segment 58and connects the segments 58 to the sheet 14. A thin space 62 betweeneach segment 58 allows one segment to slide past a neighboring segment58 when the sides 28, 30 are rolled such that the sheet 14 substantiallycircumscribes the obstructing member 24. To further facilitate slidingthe segments 58 past each other, each segment 58 may include an angledcorner 64.

[0081]FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of the presentinvention. In FIG. 8, various alternative handles 26 and temporaryfasteners 34 are illustrated for exemplary purposes. As described abovein relation to FIGS. 1-2, the device 10 includes a sheet 14 with one ormore obstructing members 24 disposed along a back edge 22. In certainembodiments, one or more anchor members 66 extend down from the bottomsurface 18. The anchor members 66 are positioned near the front edge 20.

[0082] The anchor members 66 serve to hold the sheet 14 in a stationaryposition as loose material 12 is gathered on the top surface 16. Theanchor members 66 may also be removably connected to the sheet 14. InFIG. 8, the anchor members 66 are of a similar shape, configuration, andarrangement as the obstructing members 24, but extend from the oppositesurface. Those of skill in the art recognize that the anchor members 66may comprise one or more projections from the bottom surface 18 thatprovide the same anchoring function. All such embodiments are consideredwithin the scope of the present invention.

[0083] In some embodiments, the device 10 includes an array of holes 68disposed in the sheet 14. Preferably, the holes 68 are sized to besmaller than the loose material 12. The holes 68 serve to allow air toescape from within the sheet 14 when the sheet 14 is rolled such thatthe sheet 14 substantially circumscribes the obstructing members 24. Incertain embodiments, a user may need to compress the rolled sheet toengage temporary fasteners 34. The holes 68 facilitate compressing theloose material 12.

[0084] It is contemplated that a variety of temporary fasteners 34 maybe used to temporarily fasten side edge 28 to side edge 30. For example,the temporary fasteners 34 may comprise one member 34 a that slideswithin the other member 34 b and snaps in similar manner to alife-preserver buckle. In another embodiment, Velcro® straps or otherkinds of ties may be used. Alternatively, each side edge 28, 30 mayinclude “J” or “S” hooks connected to the side edge 28, 30. The “J” or“S” hooks may be interlocked to fasten the side edges 28, 30. Of course,those of skill in the art will readily recognize that a variety of othertemporary fasteners 34 may be used to allow a user to fasten andunfasten the sides 28, 30, preferably without tools. These variations ontemporary fasteners 34 are also considered to be within the scope of thepresent invention.

[0085] In addition, FIG. 8 illustrates various embodiments for thehandles 26. FIG. 1 illustrates handles 26 formed from the sheet andextending from a side in the same plane as the sheet 14. Alternatively,the handles 26 may be connected to the sheet 14 or formed within theperimeter of the sheet 14.

[0086] For example, a handle 26 a may comprise a piece of rope passedthrough two holes in the sheet 14. Alternatively, the handle 26 b maycomprise a hole 26 b disposed in the sheet 14 near a side edge 28, 30.The hole 26 b is sized to readily receive a user's hand. The user gripsthe sheet material as a handle.

[0087] Referring still to FIG. 8, in certain embodiments, the device 10includes a pair of ribs 70 connected to the sheet 14 in close proximityto the side edges 28, 30. The ribs 70 provide sufficient weight toretain the side edges 28, 30 against the ground when the device is usedin a flat configuration for collecting debris. As the side edges 28, 30are rolled repeatedly together, the planar sheet 14 may begin to bow upnear the sides 28, 30. Accordingly, the weight of the ribs 70 counteractthis tendency such that the sheet 14 lies substantially flat whenunrolled.

[0088] In the depicted embodiment, the ribs 70 are removable and areconnected to the sheet by threading the ribs 70 through correspondingloops 72 formed in the sheet 14. Preferably, the ribs 70 are rectangularmetal rods that thread alternately through the loops 72. Alternatively,the ribs 70 may be round rods. In yet another embodiment, the ribs 70may comprise an integral part of the sheet 14. For example, the ribs 70may comprise tubular members (not shown) that extend along the length ofthe side edges 28, 30. The tubular members may contain a metal or woodenrod. Alternatively, the tubular members are filled with a high massmaterial such as lead, sand, or the like.

[0089] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 collectively, the present inventionalso provides a method of collecting loose material 12. First, thedevice 10 is positioned over a desired location. The device 10 is in aplanar configuration and placed with the top surface 16 facing up. Next,the user gathers loose material 12 onto the top surface 16. Oncesufficient loose material 12 is gathered, the user rolls the sheet 14such that one side edge 28 is brought in close proximity to the otherside edge 30. The sheet 14 substantially circumscribes the obstructingmembers 24. The obstructing members 24 cooperate to obstruct an opening38 formed by rolling the sheet 14. Now, the sheet 14 is in the form of atemporary container 32.

[0090] In one embodiment, the user may temporarily fasten one side edge28 to the other side edge 30 by way of temporary fasteners 34.Furthermore, the user may lift the rolled sheet 14 with the front edge20 elevated such that the loose material 12 moves towards the obstructedback edge 22. As desired, the user may transport the loose material 12by carrying the container 32. Finally, the user may empty the loosematerial 12 from the rolled sheet 14 by orienting the front opening 36downward. For example, the user may empty the loose material 12 into agarbage container.

[0091] Based on the foregoing, the present invention offers a number ofadvantages not available in conventional approaches. The presentinvention lies substantially flat for collection of loose material ontothe device. In addition, the present invention transforms into atemporary container that retains the loose material inside. The devicemay be temporarily fastened in the temporary container configuration.Obstructing members operably obstruct or block one end of the temporarycontainer such that the loose material may be transported to a desiredlocation without escaping. Furthermore, the present invention allows asole user to easily perform the task of gathering, hauling, and dumpingthe loose material. The present invention may be used without tools andstored in a relatively flat, thin space. Finally, the present inventionis lightweight, sturdy, durable, simple, and inexpensive to fabricate.

[0092] While specific embodiments and applications of the presentinvention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understoodthat the invention is not limited to the precise configuration andcomponents disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, andvariations apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in thearrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems of thepresent invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for collecting loose material, thedevice comprising: a pliable, substantially planar sheet; at least oneobstructing member extending out from a surface of the sheet; andwherein the planar sheet is configured to be easily transitioned betweena first position in which the planar sheet lies substantially flat and asecond position in which the planar sheet forms a container with theplanar sheet substantially circumscribing the obstructing member to atleast partially obstruct one end of the container.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the obstructing member is shaped to correspond to theshape of the one end of the container.
 3. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a groove in the planar sheet, the groove configured to engagethe obstructing member when the sheet is transitioned to the secondposition.
 4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality ofobstructing members configured to cooperate to substantially obstructthe one end when the planar sheet is transitioned to the secondposition.
 5. The device of claim 4, further comprising at least onehandle connected to the planar sheet.
 6. The device of claim 4, whereinthe obstructing members extend substantially vertically from the surfaceof the planar sheet.
 7. The device of claim 4, wherein the obstructingmembers are removably connected to the planar sheet.
 8. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the planar sheet comprises a plurality of air holesthat allow air to escape when the planar sheet is transitioned to thesecond position.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the obstructingmember comprises a tab.
 10. A device for collecting loose material, thedevice comprising: a pliable planar sheet having a top surface and aback edge; a plurality of obstructing members extending from the topsurface of the sheet; and wherein the obstructing members are configuredto restrict an opening formed on one end of a container when the sheetis rolled around the obstructing members such that the sheetsubstantially circumscribes the obstructing members.
 11. The device ofclaim 10, wherein the obstructing members are positioned near the backedge.
 12. The device of claim 10, wherein the obstructing members extendsubstantially perpendicular to the top surface.
 13. The device of claim10, wherein the obstructing members are removably connected to thesheet.
 14. The device of claim 10, wherein the obstructing members areconfigured such that when the sheet rolled such that the sheetsubstantially circumscribes the obstructing members, the back edgedefines the opening and the obstructing members are juxtaposed tosubstantially block the opening.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein thejuxtaposed obstructing members intermesh.
 16. The device of claim 10,wherein each obstructing member comprises a tongue and a groove.
 17. Thedevice of claim 10, further comprising a handle disposed within thesheet.
 18. The device of claim 10, wherein the sheet comprises a pair ofside edges, the device further comprising a fastener configured totemporarily fasten one side edge in close proximity to the other sideedge.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the sheet comprises a ribconnected to the sheet in close proximity to each side edge, the ribsconfigured to retain the sheet in a substantially flat position when thefastener is unfastened.
 20. The device of claim 10, wherein the sheetcomprises a front edge and a bottom surface, the device furthercomprising a plurality of anchor members positioned near the front edgeand extending from the bottom surface of the sheet.
 21. The device ofclaim 10, wherein the obstructing members are substantially triangularshaped.
 22. The device of claim 21, wherein one side of a triangularobstructing member is connectable to the surface of the sheet, one sideof the triangular obstructing member comprises a tongue, and the otherside of the triangular obstructing member comprises a groove configuredto engage a corresponding tongue of an adjacent triangular obstructingmember when the sheet is rolled such that the sheet substantiallycircumscribes the obstructing member.
 23. A method for collecting loosematerial, the method comprising: positioning a pliable planar sheet overa desired location, the planar sheet having a front edge, a back edge, apair of opposing side edges, and a plurality of obstructing membersaligned near the back edge, with the obstructing members extending froma surface of the sheet; gathering loose material onto the top surface ofthe sheet; and rolling the sheet to bring one side edge in closeproximity to the other side edge such that the loose material isretained within the sheet and a front opening and a back opening areformed, the obstructing members being configured to move in closeproximity to each other as the sheet is rolled to substantially closethe back opening defined by the back edge.
 24. The method of claim 23,further comprising lifting the rolled sheet such that loose materialmoves towards the closed back opening.
 25. The method of claim 24,further comprising emptying the loose material from the rolled sheet byorienting the front opening downward.
 26. The method of claim 23,further comprising temporarily fastening one side edge to the other sideedge.